GeoSpatial Distribution of Anemia in Hilly Darjeeling
Journal Title: National Journal of Research in Community Medicine - Year 2014, Vol 3, Issue 3
Abstract
Background: Anemia is a major risk factor for mortality & morbidity. Pallor is reflection of anemia of a subject expressed clinically. Geographical Information System models are useful where number of area specific sample observations are generally very small to produce reliable direct estimates. Objectives: 1.To monitor and prevent anemia of nutritional origin through visual display of Spatial Mapping and administering nutritional support as needed. 2.To ascertain whether elevation of the hill has any impact on Pallor Prevalence. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at household level, in 12 randomly selected villages in Darjeeling, during the period 2001-2002. Using pre-tested structured questionnaires, data were collected on demographic particulars, pallor incidence, dietary habit, monthly income, etc., from each available member of the household. Total number of case studies were only 728. Geostatistical Methods are used in the present study to predict spatial distribution of Pallor Prevalence at the block level throughout Darjeeling.Results and Conclusions : The present study highlights (i) Total Pallor Prevalence varies from (5 - 35)%. (ii) Female Pallor Prevalence varies from (5 – 65) % compared to Male Pallor Prevalence (5 – 25)%. (iii) In high altitude areas of Darjeeling, Pallor Prevalence are remarkably less. The outcome of the study suggest that Elevation of the hill has some impact on Pallor Prevalence. High altitude and less oxygen tension in the atmosphere, stimulates erythropoiesis that increases iron absorption and RBC production and controls Anemia. Further research is needed with larger sample size to confirm the impact of Elevation on Pallor prevalence. Need and dose of supplementary iron varying with altitudes in hills, may also be opened to review.
Authors and Affiliations
Gautam. N. Sarkar, Kasturi Basu, Chowdhury S. P. , Tapan Mukhopadhyay
Keywords
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